Obituary of Earnest Rodriguez

Mr. Earnest Rodriguez, Jr. age 82 a resident of Auburndale passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018 at his home with family. Mr. Rodriguez was born November 7, 1935 in Bronx, New York to Ernesto and Zenobia (Claudio) Rodriguez, Sr. He was an Auburndale resident since 1974 coming from Warner Robbins, Georgia. Earnest was a retired 1st Sergeant, Aircraft Mechanic and a veteran of the United States Air Force serving in Vietnam & the Korean Conflict. In 1966 he was awarded the Bronze Star. Before going into the military he played minor league baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven, the care taker of Camp Rotary in Auburndale for 3yrs. and was mentor for the Polk County High Schools ROTC program. Earnest retired from the State of Florida Department of Corrections District 10 as a Parole Officer. He was a member and longtime commander of the Auburndale V.F.W. helping veterans affected by Agent Orange. He was preceded in death by his parents. Earnest is survived by his loving & devoted family; Wife of 62 yrs: Jane Rodriguez of Auburndale, FL. 4 Sons: Joe (Bettie) Rodriguez of Auburndale, FL. John Rodriguez of Auburndale, FL. James (Creda) Rodriguez of Jacksonville, FL. Jerry Rodriguez of Lakeland, FL. Brother: Jose (Nancy) Rodriguez of Phoenix, AZ. Granddaughter: Ashley (Neo) Penaloza of Auburndale, FL. 2 Great Granddaughters: Isabella & Amelia In lieu of flowers the family request's donations in Mr. Rodriguez's name to either; Agent Orange, 8719 Colesville Rd., Suite 100, Silver Springs, Maryland, 20910 OR Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. Visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Kersey Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 26, 2018 at Kersey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park with Full Military Honors.